Reader's view: Whitmer will protect our wild Michigan

Gregory Eagle

Published
7:00 am EDT, Saturday, November 3, 2018

To the editor:

There are a lot of important issues on the minds of voters this election — health care, roads, education. But to many Michiganders, preservation of our natural resources and outdoor recreation traditions is important. On this issue, Gretchen Whitmer deserves support.

Michigan is blessed with enviable natural resources. We are surrounded by the Great Lakes, we have thousands of inland lakes, and miles of scenic rivers, not to mention our forests and an abundance of fish and wildlife available for the pleasure of residents and visitors. The outdoor recreation economy of Michigan is a huge job provider. So environmental and conservation issues are understandably important too.

Gretchen Whitmer understands this and has addressed these issues in her campaign for governor. Great Lakes protection and water quality issues are the top priority of her campaign. Line 5 pipeline, Flint water crisis, PFAS pollutants in our water, water diversions, invasive species, climate change are all current or potential threats. Whitmer has a detailed plan to address these issues which begins with the creation of the Department of Great Lakes and Freshwater. I encourage all to visit her website and review her plan. Whitmer is committed to protection of our outdoor recreation traditions. She pledges reliance on science and resource management professionals to guide decisions. She will work to restore Michigan’s DNR and DEQ to their place of national prominence as national leaders in resource management. Accessibility and transparency will be restored.

This is in stark contrast to her Republican opponent who has not put forth specific plans for the protection of our water and other natural resources.

The choice couldn’t be more clear. Gretchen Whitmer is the best candidate for governor.